Do You Snore?

Snoring is the vibration of respiratory structures and the resulting sound, due to obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping. In some cases the sound may be soft, but in other cases, it can be rather loud and quite unpleasant. The structures are usually the uvula and soft palate. The irregular airflow is caused by a blockage and usually due to one of the following:

• Throat weakness, causing the throat to close during sleep
• Mispositioned jaw, often caused by tension in the muscles
• Fat gathering in and around the throat
• Obstruction in the nasal passageway

Snoring is a serious medical condition and in some cases can even lead to high blood pressure, diabetes and heart problems.

If a person snores then he/she should get themselves screened at a sleep medicine clinic as in the long run it could result in high blood pressure, diabetes and heart problems.

Sleep Apnea is dangerous consequence of ignoring a snoring problem. In this, patients don’t breathe for more than 10 seconds due to obstructed airway. As a result, they have disturbed sleep at night and make up for it by sleeping in the day.

Experts say this can be dangerous as people can suddenly fall asleep while driving.

Doctors say it is important to diagnose this problem in the initial stages as it can be cured.

Why Do We Snore

It is a loud sound produces during sleep by the vibration of respiratory structure when the airways get obstructed because of irregular flow of air. Studies have shown that at least 25 percent men and 9 percent women above the age of 40 suffer from snoring problem.

Snores, if ignored, can lead to serious problems. Because snoring causes a decrease in oxygen supply to the body, the body comes under extreme stress and undergoes metabolic changes. High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and, in extreme cases, strokes can occur

Causes of Snoring

• Throat weakness
• Misaligned jaw
• Obesity (especially fat gathering in and around the throat)
• Obstruction in the nasal passage
• Tonsillitis in children

Treatment

• Get yourself evaluated by a sleep therapy expert.
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): In this, a patient has to wear a pressurized mask over the nose while sleeping. The mask is attached to a small pump that forces air through the airway to keep it open.
• Lifestyle changes and weight therapy.